7-Day Finland Road Trip from Helsinki to Kotka, Hämeenlinna, and Turku and surrounding area

Photo of wooden Bridge Leading To Buildings Of Former Barracks On Territory Of Naval Suomenlinna Fortress Near Helsinki.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Finland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Finland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Helsinki, 1 night in Kotka, 1 night in Hämeenlinna, and 1 night in Turku, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Finland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Helsinki, Kotka, Hämeenlinna, Tampere, and Turku. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Finland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Helsinki, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Finland, including the stunning Esplanadi park and Temppeliaukio Church.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Finland. From the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral to the breathtaking Senate Square and Kauppatori, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Helsinki, Kotka, Hämeenlinna, Tampere, and Turku, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Finland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Finland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Finland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Finland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Finland.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Finland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Finland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Finland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Finland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Finland today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Helsinki cityscape with Helsinki Cathedral and port, FinlandHelsinki / 3 nights
Early autumn morning panorama of the Port of Turku, Finland, with Turku Castle at background.Turku / 1 night
Aerial view of the Tampere city at sunset. Tampella building. View over Tammerkoski river in warm sunlight.Tampere
Kotka - city in FinlandKotka / 1 night
Hämeenlinna - city in FinlandSouthern Finland / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of scenic summer panorama of the Market Square (Kauppatori) at the Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland.Market Square
Senate Square, Kruununhaka, Southern major district, Helsinki, Helsinki sub-region, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandSenate Square
Photo of Statue of JL Runeberg, the national poet of Finland, at Esplanadi park avenue in Helsinki, Finland.Esplanadi park
Photo of entrance gate and ticket office of the Korkeasaari Zoo. It is the largest zoo in Finland, located on the island.Korkeasaari Zoo
Photo of aerial View of Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki, Finland.Temppeliaukio Church
Photo of Helsinki Cathedral over city center in spring, Finland.Helsinki Cathedral
Photo of Turku Castle is the largest medieval building in Finland, Turku, Finland.Turku Castle
Photo of art gallery Ateneum. Museum of Finnish, international art.Ateneum
Photo of the Kaivopuisto park and Harakka island on the background, Helsinki, Finland.Kaivopuisto
Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower, Tampere, Tampereen seutukunta, Pirkanmaa, Western and Central Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandPyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower
Photo of Sibelius Monument (artist Eila Hiltunen, 1967) dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in Helsinki Sibelius Park, it consists more than 600 hollow steel pipes, Helsinki, Finland.Sibelius Monument
Photo of Vapriikki Museum, Tampella building. View over Tammerkoski river in warm sunlight, Tampere, Finland.Museum Centre Vapriikki
Photo of Natural History museum is located next to Finnish parliament building and attracts tourists all year long, Helsinki, Finland.Finnish Museum of Natural History
Finlayson Factory Area, Tampere, Tampereen seutukunta, Pirkanmaa, Western and Central Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandFinlayson Factory Area
Kaisaniemi ParkKaisaniemi Park
Kupittaa Park, Kupittaa, Keskusta, Turku, Turun seutukunta, Southwest Finland, South-Western Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandKupittaa
Hatanpää Park Arboretum, Tampere, Tampereen seutukunta, Pirkanmaa, Western and Central Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandHatanpää Park Arboretum
Photo of Turku Cathedral in Turku, Finland.Turku Cathedral
Photo of great Public park Sapokka in Kotka town, Finland.Sapokka
Katariina Seaside Park, Kotka, Kotkan–Haminan seutukunta, Kymenlaakso, Southern Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandKatariina Seaside Park‎
The Old Great SquareOld Great Square
Adventure Park Seikkailupuisto, Kupittaa, Keskusta, Turku, Turun seutukunta, Southwest Finland, South-Western Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandAdventure Park Seikkailupuisto
Photo of the new sea museum Maritime Centre Vellamo in Kotka, Finland.Maritime Centre Vellamo
Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, Kotka, Kotkan–Haminan seutukunta, Kymenlaakso, Southern Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandLanginkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge
Photo of Sibeliuksenpuisto, Kotka, Finland.Sibeliuksenpuisto

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Helsinki - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Helsinki - arrival day

  • Helsinki - Arrival day
  • More
  • Esplanadi park
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Finland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Helsinki. You’ll stay in Helsinki for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Helsinki has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Esplanadi park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,022 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki, Kappeli. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Kuu. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 977 customers.

Helsinki also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Helsinki is Löyly Helsinki. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,237 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Helsinki is Kaisla. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Finland!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Helsinki

Day 2

Day 2 – Helsinki

  • Helsinki
  • More

Drive 15 km, 1 hour 13 min

  • Sibelius Monument
  • Temppeliaukio Church
  • Finnish Museum of Natural History
  • Korkeasaari Zoo
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Helsinki has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Helsinki by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Helsinki. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Helsinki, like the extraordinary Sibelius Monument. This attraction is a sculpture and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,019 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Helsinki is the spectacular Temppeliaukio Church. This attraction is a cave church and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,662 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Finnish Museum of Natural History. This natural history museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,155 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Helsinki.

Your discovery of Helsinki does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Helsinki on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Finland, be sure to eat at Restaurant Farang, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,081 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Helsinki is the popular Restaurant HOKU. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 966 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Liberty or Death is one of the best bars in the city of Helsinki for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 685 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Helsinki!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Helsinki and Kotka

Day 3

Day 3 – Helsinki and Kotka

  • Helsinki
  • Kotka
  • More

Drive 138 km, 2 hours 27 min

  • Ateneum
  • Helsinki Cathedral
  • Senate Square
  • Market Square
  • Kaivopuisto
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through Finland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Helsinki and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Kotka. You will stay in Kotka for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Helsinki is the amazing Ateneum. As such, over 400,000 people visit Ateneum yearly. This attraction is an art museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,449 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible lutheran cathedral, Helsinki Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,211 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Helsinki is the outstanding Senate Square. This popular top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,455 visitors. Approximately 400,000 travelers come to Helsinki every year to see the stunning Ateneum with their own eyes.

The spectacular Kauppatori is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating market square and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 25,097 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Kaivopuisto. This attraction is a popular neighbourhood of helsinki that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,621 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Helsinki by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Finland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Kotka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Erkan Bistro & Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 998 customers.

Locals also recommend Keisarinsatama as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kotka. Keisarinsatama is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

After dinner, visit Players Sports Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kotka. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 572 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Finland!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Kotka and Hämeenlinna

Day 4

Day 4 – Kotka and Hämeenlinna

  • Kotka
  • Southern Finland
  • More

Drive 202 km, 2 hours 47 min

  • Sibeliuksenpuisto
  • Katariina Seaside Park‎
  • Sapokka
  • Maritime Centre Vellamo
  • Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Finland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Kotka. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Hämeenlinna. You’ll stay in Hämeenlinna for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Kotka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Kotka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Sibeliuksenpuisto. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 590 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Katariina Seaside Park‎. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,357 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Sapokka to make the most of your road trip across Finland. The spectacular Sapokka is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,810 visitors.

The lovely Maritime Centre Vellamo is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 1,802 visitors have left this maritime museum average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,703 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Kotka has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Hämeenlinna. Hämeenlinna offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Popino. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,841 reviews.

The remarkable Topkapi Pizzeria-Kebab is another top restaurant in Hämeenlinna we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 749 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Piparkakkutalo is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 684 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Hämeenlinna, the fantastic Noora's Wine Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 342 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Ravintola Uoma. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 296 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Albertin Kellari. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 307 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Finland!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Tampere and Turku

Day 5

Day 5 – Tampere and Turku

  • Tampere
  • Turku
  • More

Drive 247 km, 3 hours 16 min

  • Museum Centre Vapriikki
  • Finlayson Factory Area
  • Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower
  • Hatanpää Park Arboretum
  • More

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you'll wake up in Hämeenlinna and embark on a scenic drive to Turku, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Hämeenlinna and Tampere before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Hämeenlinna. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Aulanko Tower. This attraction is an observation tower that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,589 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible The Artillery, Engineer and Signals Museum of Finland. This attraction, a beloved museum, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,210 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Hämeenlinna is the stunning Prison Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 515 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Tampere and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Tampere has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Museum Centre Vapriikki. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,742 visitors. Around 185,000 people visit Museum Centre Vapriikki every year.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Finlayson Factory Area. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,941 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower. This cafe and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,011 visitors.

The lovely Hatanpää Park Arboretum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,785 visitors have left this park an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Tampere, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Turku. When you arrive in Turku you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Kuori. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 644 customers.

Locals also recommend Pippurimylly, another of the best restaurants in Turku. Pippurimylly is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,851 customers.

After dinner, visit Panimoravintola Koulu to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Turku, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Walo Rooftop Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Walo Rooftop Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 864 customers.

Uusi Apteekki Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 770 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Finland, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Turku and Helsinki

Day 6

Day 6 – Turku and Helsinki

  • Turku
  • Helsinki
  • More

Drive 176 km, 2 hours 39 min

  • Turku Cathedral
  • Old Great Square
  • Kupittaa
  • Adventure Park Seikkailupuisto
  • Turku Castle
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip through Finland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Turku and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Helsinki. You will stay in Helsinki for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Turku is the amazing Turku Cathedral. This attraction is a lutheran cathedral that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,745 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible square, Old Great Square. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,995 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Turku is the outstanding Kupittaa. This popular district and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,520 visitors.

The spectacular Adventure Park Seikkailupuisto is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Turku Castle. This attraction is a popular castle that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,724 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Turku by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Finland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Helsinki, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Savotta, one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.

Locals also recommend Ravintola Nerone as one of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki. Ravintola Nerone is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 951 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Helsinki is Restaurant Merimakasiini. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 992 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Finland!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Helsinki - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Helsinki - departure day

  • Helsinki - Departure day
  • More
  • Kaisaniemi Park
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Helsinki before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Kaisaniemi Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Helsinki. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,988 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Helsinki and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Finland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Helsinki at Ravintola Nokka before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 744 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant Elite for your last chance at a meal in the city of Helsinki. The Restaurant Elite restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 875 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Ravintola Aino. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Helsinki. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Finland!

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Experiences

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